Sorry it is so tough for you kosh. Is there any hope of it getting better or is this just the job? If so, maybe you should look for something else without quitting this one obviously till you have something new?
And a while ago you very kindly asked about my friend Andrea. The last time I talked to her was Christmas and the fact that I have not heard from her since means she is no better since then. So she is still in hospital (it is a year now) and I am not sure when/if she will be let out. They cannot help her any more, they can only keep things in check I suppose and perhaps intervene when other body parts break down, as they have been to a certain degree. Unless science comes up with something new, there is no hope for improvement.
As for shouting at my boys, yep guilty here too but I try very very hard not to and it doesn't happen often. I am usually ashamed of myself after and give extra cuddles (not that that undoes it) UNLESS Dominic picks up poor Alfie by his fur, not the loose skin even, but the actual hair. Then I shout NO! and that usually makes him drop the poor kitty.
Also, when he hits or bites Sebastian I will raise my voice to get his attention immediately. Though he sometimes hits him a bit he has at least not bitten anyone in many months now. I do think in his case it was related to teething. I will tell you how it goes when he gets his second molars. :/
Just wanted to quickly let you know how it went with the therapist. Surprisingly Sebastian wasn't too shy after only a little time and even looked at her and smiled etc when she started playing with him. But this morning was just an assessment and she mostly talked us through what is expected at what age and how we can help etc and will write out a sheet with it all in detail.
She says that his not reacting to his name was one of the signs that he is speech delayed. This shocked me more than his not having any words as it never occurred to me that he might not be 100% sure that Sebastian is his name! I think this might mean he is more delayed in some areas but not others. Apparently his concentration and interaction are very good and what they should be but in other areas he isn't quite on par.
She said that while she would never rule out any ASD at this age, there are several markers she would look for that are clearly not present: He does have shared enjoyment, he does look for approval, he asked to see more bubbles (she had brought a bottle and wand) and did ask for the shape sorting thingy back when she withheld it for a bit. So that was a relief. (when I say he asked I mean, he made noises and stretched out his hand and looked at her obviously questioningly etc)
So she is going to refer us to a regular therapy as this was just an assessment. She was really nice and I feel a bit better as there is stuff we can do to help etc and I don't feel so unsure.